The oldest funeral business in Bladen County was established in 1935 and is now known as Kinlaw Funeral Home, Inc. In January of 1935, the Bladen Mutual Burial Association was formed.

On April 23, 1943 James Elmer Kinlaw purchased the funeral business from James H. Clark and Company. James Elmer Kinlaw operated the funeral home from 1943 until 1953. In 1947, his son, Gordon B. Kinlaw, returned home from the Navy and joined his father in the operation of the funeral home and Kinlaw Furniture Store.

Eunice Kinlaw President	Gordon B. Kinlaw 1921-1979

Gordon took over the management in January of 1953 when his father retired and purchased the business in July of 1956. Gordon and his wife, Eunice continued to operate the business until his death on December 11, 1979 at which time, Eunice Kinlaw assumed active management and continues to serve as President of Kinlaw Funeral Home, Inc.